A tragic incident occurred on Friday night on the road to the municipality of Florida in Camagüey, marking the evening with sorrow. Shortly after 7:00 pm, a collision between two buses resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left more than 50 others injured, according to initial reports.
Among the deceased was the driver of one of the buses, who died at the scene. The second victim succumbed to injuries after being transported to the "Manuel Ascunce Domenech" University Hospital. This was reported on social media by Yahily Hernández Porto, a journalist from the state-run newspaper Juventud Rebelde. Hernández Porto later updated that "the deceased was a 49-year-old woman who, after undergoing surgery for severe abdominal trauma with liver and splenic (spleen) rupture, and being in an unstable post-operative condition, did not survive."
Dr. Domínguez Rosabal stated that the other injured individuals are being treated in the Surgery, Orthopedics, Minimal Access, and Neurosurgery wards. At this medical facility, 54 adults are receiving care, with five in critical condition and three having undergone surgery due to severe abdominal injuries.
Additionally, seven children, ranging from 1 to 11 years old, are hospitalized at the "Eduardo Agramonte Piña" Pediatric Hospital. In statements to Camagüey Television, Dr. Andrei Rodríguez Navarro, the institution's director, noted that five of these children are in the surgical ward, while two are in intermediate care. "Despite their CT scans and cranial exams being negative, they are receiving continuous and specialized attention," the doctor added, confirming that all minors are out of danger.
Accident Details
The crash involved two Yutong buses: one was a Transmetro under a leasing system from Songo La Maya, Santiago de Cuba, while the other was transporting workers from a Military Construction Unit. According to various reports on social media, the collision occurred on the West Ring Road of Camagüey, near the embarkation point on the highway heading west.
A source close to the accident site told independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada that the cause of the crash might have been one driver's unfamiliarity with the area, leading him to miss a stop sign while attempting to merge onto the Central Highway. "This location is very dimly lit, like all points of the city's ring road," the source informed.
Community Support and Response
In response to the accident's severity, health authorities in Camagüey have called for community support. Dr. Carlos Morán Giraldo, the General Director of Public Health in the province, announced that those willing to donate blood could do so starting at 7:00 am on Saturday, January 11, at the Provincial Blood Bank.
The accident site remains under investigation to clarify all details of this unfortunate event. This tragedy once again underscores the urgent need to improve road conditions and signage at critical points, such as the area where the crash occurred.
Key Questions about the Camagüey Bus Crash
What were the circumstances leading to the bus crash in Camagüey?
The crash involved two Yutong buses, one transporting workers from a Military Construction Unit and the other operating under a leasing system. A possible cause was one driver's unfamiliarity with the area, missing a stop sign while merging onto the Central Highway.
How many people were injured in the Camagüey bus accident?
More than 50 people were injured in the collision, including 54 adults who are receiving medical attention and seven children who are hospitalized but out of danger.